Former Bucks player Christian Wood has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, also called coronavirus. Wood becomes the third NBA player to test positive for the disease that has brought the sporting world to a halt. Utah Jazz players Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell both tested positive for the disease as well. The Jazz defeated the Pistons 111-105 on March 7, just days before the league suspended play.
Christian Wood appeared in just 13 games for the Bucks in the 2018-2019 season. He was waived by the Bucks in March, but was claimed by the New Orleans Pelicans. After being waived by the Pelicans after the season, he was picked up by the Detroit Pistons. With the Pistons this season, Wood is averaging a career-high 13.1 points and 6.3 rebounds in 62 games (12 starts). He scored 30 points in the Pistons’ loss to the Jazz, and spent much of the game guarding or being guarded by Rudy Gobert.
The NBA Responds to COVID-19
The NBA has suspended play until further notice in the wake of the coronavirus epidemic. The NHL, MLB, NCAA, and PGA have also canceled or postponed events until further notice. School districts around the country have called off school to prevent the spread of the disease.
In an effort to support the hourly-workers of the stadiums who are not being paid during the hiatus, several NBA players have announced donations make up for their lost income. After Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton each announced $100,000 donations, the Bucks’ organization said it would match any contributions made by the players. The rest of the Bucks’ roster has since announced donations as well.
Elsewhere in the league, Kevin Love and Blake Griffin have announced donations for their team’s stadium staff. Stand-out rookie Zion Williamson has declared he will cover the salaries of the Pelicans’ stadium staff for 30 days. Rudy Gobert, a COVID-19 patient, has donated $500,000 to help stadium workers and other virus relief efforts.
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